Hugh Cornwell ~ Totem And Taboo
Hugh's new album "Totem And Taboo" through PledgeMusic (http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hughcornwell) arrived in my post yesterday and last night I listened to the whole CD with a chilled bottle of Pouilly Fume.
Totem And Taboo kicks off in fine style with a drum intro reminiscent of Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging" and from the off the production courtesy of the legendary Steve Albini ushers in a solid mix of Hugh's electric guitars, rumbling Stranglers~esque bass from Steve Fisherman and the busy drums of Chris Bell.
The album reminds me of The Who in places especially on "Stuck In Daily Mail Land" which echoes "Substitute" but the main highlight of this album is Hugh's brilliant guitar runs and soloing, especially on the moody "A Street Called Carroll" and the nine minute 36 second epic Film noir of "In The Dead Of Night" ~ all swampy guitars and Hugh's distinctive vocals.
Totem And Taboo is yet another fine outing from Hugh Cornwell which sustains the high quality of 2008's "Hooverdam" and will please many Stranglers fans who might have strayed from Hugh's solo career.
